by Sarah Silver
Emily opened up three drawers but only found some dirty silverware and a few paper napkins that looked like they had come from convenience stores. She felt a wave of anxiety seep into her bones as she looked around. This place needed more help than she could have imagined and she started to wonder if she would actually be capable of handling it all by herself. Just as she was about to give up hope on finding a clean trash bag, she saw another set of cabinets near the dirty laundry. She stepped across the kitchen and opened the first one, and a pile of bills fell on her head.
She knelt down and started to pick them up, noting that many of them were stamped with large red letters “Final Notice.” She rifled through a couple, out of curiosity, and saw a variety of obligors. Some were from the electric company, a few were from the heating company, and a few were from someone named Felix Rose. She tried to shove them all back in the cabinet, but they wouldn’t stay put. She didn’t want Dylan to think that she had invaded his privacy, but it was hard to think of what to do, other than tell him that they had accidentally fallen out.
“Miss Emily, is our lunch ready yet?” Anna came bounding into the kitchen with a big smile on her face and Emily shook her head.
“I’m sorry, honey, but I’m still trying to get cleaned up in here. I have an idea. Can you help me?” Emily figured that these girls were young, but not so little as to be excused from chores. Emily decided on the spot that they would each get their own kitchen chores form now one. She appointed Eisley as the sweeper, and Anna as the wiper. She gave Eisley a broom and Anna a rag, then filled up a bucket with some warm, soapy water.
Meanwhile, Dylan and his mysterious guests kept posted at the table. The girls’ blips of laughter filled the kitchen so Emily was unable to hear a word of what the men were saying. She knew that it was wrong to eavesdrop, but her curiosity got the best of her, so she excused herself from kitchen duty and walked quietly out in the dining room on her way to use the bathroom.
“You already knew this, Mr. McBride. We told you that without this month’s mortgage payment, we’re going to have to put it into foreclosure.” The man on the right was shaking his head and tapping a pen on the table. Dylan’s face was flushed and he said nothing when Emily drifted by. An uncomfortable silence fell over the room, and Emily was relived to finally get inside the bathroom.
“Foreclosure?” She whispered to herself and then wrung her hands together. What was this all about? She thought back to the day Leila had discovered the ad inside Griffin Café. Clearly, Dylan McBride was not the successful business man that he had claimed to be. Emily felt her face redden. He was a liar.
She bit her lip and then tried to decide what to do. Then she shook her head with bewilderment. What were her options? She was alone, in another country, away from her dear cousin, with a strange man who had deceived her about his status. She wanted to cry, and almost did, until she heard a soft rapping at the door.
“Miss Emily? We finished with all the sweeping and wiping. Could you come out and make out lunch now?” The sweet voice sent a wave of warmth through her body and she sighed.
“Sure thing. Just give me a second.” Emily pulled her hair up into a pony tail, splashed some cold water on her face, then opened the door and headed out of the bathroom.
Chapter 7
Emily wasn’t surprised with what she saw when she opened up the refrigerator door. Inside were half-eaten dishes of food with mold on the tops of them, and a variety of empty condiment jars. She pulled out everything from the shelves and then wiped down the insides with her soapy water. She threw out the moldy food and then rearranged the condiments. Amazingly, she found a couple slices of cheese that were still good, and she used them to make the girls grilled cheese sandwiches.
She had just finished wiping down the kitchen table and was about to place their sandwiches down when Dylan popped his head inside. “Hey, Emily. I know this was supposed to be your day to relax. I apologize, but I had some unexpected business to deal with.” He whispered and then looked around the kitchen. “I can’t believe it. Look what you did in here.” He covered his mouth with his hand and then shook his head. “I’m truly amazed.” He looked at Emily and then, in a gesture that took her completely off-guard, gave her a huge hug.
Emily blushed and then served Eisley and Anna their lunch. “This is great! I love grilled cheese!” Anna piped up as soon as Emily set down her plate. Eisley had a similar reaction. The girls ate with enthusiasm and Dylan disappeared back into the dining room. After Emily had cleaned the lunch dishes and mopped the kitchen floor, she heard the men get up and she watched Dylan lead them to the door.
“I think I should talk to you tonight, Emily.” Dylan appeared in the doorway after he had bid the men goodbye. He had a troubled look on his face and Emily tried to act as if she didn’t know what could be troubling him. “And, I am sorry to tell you this, but I’m not so sure we’ll be able to go to the barbeque place tomorrow.” Dylan hung down his head and Emily felt a pang of pity for him.
“It’s fine, Dylan. I came here to fulfill the position of care-taker for your nieces as well as…” Emily paused when she thought about it. “…and wife.” She smiled and then shrugged. She figured that right now she might as well try and make the best of it. If the man didn’t have money to pay his mortgage, then he certainly didn’t have the money to pay for her flight back to England because she had changed her mind. In a sense, she decided with some reluctance, she was stuck.
As the day progressed Emily found herself braiding pig-tails, washing and folding clothes, wiping down windows and rearranging furniture. She felt like a tornado had erupted within her and that she had to move with it to keep up her momentum. Dylan let her do whatever she wanted, relieved and appreciative that someone had finally stepped in to help him with his life. When it came time to settle down for the night, Emily was exhausted. She walked wearily toward the bathroom and then ran herself some bath water.
“You know I have some great bath salts if you’d like to give them a try.” Dylan popped his head in the bathroom just as Emily was about to get changed. She smiled and then looked at his face. His chiseled cheekbones defined his angular face and his soft blue eyes reminded her of the sky on a Lancashire afternoon.
“I’ll try them. Thanks.” Emily moved a little closer and then waited as Dylan handed her the jar. She set the salts on the edge of the tub and then waited for Dylan to leave. But he didn’t.
“You know, as my wife, I have a few expectations when it comes to physical contact.” Dylan moved closer and took Emil’s hand in his. “I hope that’s not a problem for you.” He smiled and then brushed his body up against hers. She tried to relax but it had been so long since she’d even kissed anyone that she didn’t know how to react.
“I hope that I can provide what you need.” Emily smiled and then moved a little closer. Dylan leaned in and kissed her on the forehead. Emily closed her eyes and inched a little closer. Dylan wrapped his hands around her waist and then slowly pulled her sweater over her head. She stood still and let him explore her body with his hands. “You have a beautiful body, Emily.” Dylan sounded sincere and Emily could feel a sensation of heat rise within her core.
He ran his hands over her shoulders and then started to rub them in long, rhythmic motions. Emily sighed, feeling all of the tension from the day release from inside her. Dylan moved closer and kissed the nape of her neck, sending Goosebumps down her spine. Just as she was about to open her eyes and make her move to kiss him, they both heard a loud crashing sound downstairs. Dylan bolted out of the bathroom and jetted down the steps.
“Everything’s okay. It was the dogs!” Dylan called up to Emily and then went about shooing the two Rottweilers out of the kitchen and away from the trashcan that they had toppled over. Eisley and Anna were sitting in front of the television watching an episode of Sesame Street. Dylan ran his hands through his hair. Even though Emily was obviously tired, he was exhausted, too. The stress from his earlier meeting, coupled with
the ongoing chaos of his home life, made for one weary man at the end of the day.
He trudged back up the stairs and then rapped on the bathroom door. Emily was in the tub, her head resting on a washcloth, her body completely submerged in the warm, soothing salts. She smiled when he popped in. “I won’t bother you. The girls are watching a show, and I’m going to out them to bed shortly. Why don’t you come into my bedroom when you’re finished? We can spend out first night together.” Dylan gave Emily a seductive grin, and Emily tried not to giggle.
“Okay. I’ll come in as soon as I’m dressed.” Emily winked and then closed her eyes as soon as he closed the door. She wondered if they were moving too fast. After all, they had just met. She reminded herself that this wasn’t a typical relationship. As part of the agreement, if Dylan wanted sex, then she would have to provide. After all, this was a marriage of “convenience.” Emily sighed and then slid further under the water.
Chapter 8
A slight breeze blew in from Dylan’s window. Emily could make out a few photographs on his wall, a dresser, and a huge mound of laundry in the corner. She walked slowly toward his bed and then let down her hair which had been pulled up in a bun from her bath. Dylan turned around and reached for her hand. “I’m glad you came in.” He pulled her closer and then sat up. He was in only his boxer shorts, and Emily could make out the muscular definition in his chest when he leaned closer.
“I know that as your wife I’m going to be asked to serve you in different ways, so I just wanted to tell you that I’m aware of my obligations.” Emily knew that she sounded too formal and that Dylan was a casual sort of man, but she couldn’t shake her sophisticated English upbringing. Dylan smiled and then moved over so that she could get into bed with him. Then he pulled up the covers so that they were both snuggled deep inside.
“You know, oddly enough…” Dylan whispered to Emily as she reclined on her side. “…I feel a strong connection to you, already. Isn’t that peculiar?” Dylan smiled and then nuzzled his chin against her neck. Emily smiled and then turned to face him. She was wearing her cranberry colored pajamas that Leila had bought for her birthday last year.
“I feel a sort of connection to you too, oddly enough.” Emily chuckled and then wrapped her arms around Dylan’s neck. He drew her close and then opened his mouth to meet hers. Emily waited with anticipation and then, as if a sort of dance, they explored each other with their tongues, both of them taking the time to taste and touch and tickle with their mouths.
Dylan reached for Emily’s breasts and playfully squeezed her nipples. He loved the way that they felt in his hands and he craved even more of her body. Emily sighed with delight as he caressed her body, moving from her breasts to her buttocks, and then down her thighs and between her legs. Emily knew that under other circumstances, she would have told a man to stop, that they were moving too fast. Yet with Dylan, she felt that it was appropriate. After all, she was now his wife.
“I want to feel all of you.” Dylan whispered in her ear and then rubbed her inner thighs with his hand. She cried out with pleasure as he moved his fingers inside her warm, wet hole. It had been so long since a man had touched her sacred world of womanhood that Emily just wanted to enjoy it. She had no expectations and she had no hang-ups, either.
Dylan pushed her legs wider apart so that he could wedge himself between them. He loved her scent and her shape. It had been a long time for him, as well. His previous marriage had been a sexless one, and his wife, Ginger, had always made excuses for why she didn’t want to make love to him. Along with the fact that he eventually caught her cheating, it made for some trying tests of self-confidence when it came to his performance in the bedroom.
“You feel really good, Dylan.” Emily finally felt relaxed. She moved closer and spread her legs wider. Dylan’s fingers explored her precious bounty and Emily cried out with pleasure. She didn’t even worry about Eisley or Anna hearing them, although she hoped and assumed they were both sound asleep. Dylan slowly climbed on top of her and pressed his manhood against her body. Then slowly, and with precision, he thrust himself deep inside of her.
Emily cried out as soon as he penetrated her. She clung to his waist and pulled him closer to her body. “Yes, Dylan. This is wonderful.” She whispered in his ear and then rubbed her hands across his back as he continued to pleasure her with his body. A shaft of moonlight swept across the room and Emily briefly felt as if she were back in Lancashire. She remembered how moonbeams would cut across her bedroom floor on clear nights, and she briefly longed for the chance to go back.
Dylan glided in and out of Emily’s body, taking the time to find out what she really enjoyed. He had wanted to be with someone who appreciated him for so long now that the sensations he felt with Emily were almost too much to bear. He wanted to get to know every nook and cranny of her delicate, elongated body.
“How does that feel, baby?” Dylan whispered in Emily’s ear and continued to glide in and out of her wet, warm hole. Emily was in a state of ecstasy, and she ran her fingers across Dylan’s back as he continued to thrust in and out of her with rhythmic bursts. It wasn’t until almost an hour later that the two erupted in a shared crescendo, and then collapsed into each other’s arms under the grace of the moonlight.
When morning rolled around, Emily realized that they had never even spoken about the secret meeting that took place in the dining room the day before. She wanted to find out what was going on, but she also didn’t want to inflict unnecessary tension onto their gently budding relationship. Emily rolled out of bed to make coffee around seven a.m. Dylan joined her downstairs shortly after.
“Good morning, Emily. Last night was incredible.” Dylan gave her a kiss on the cheek and then sat down at the table while Emily poured them both steaming mugs of coffee. “I hope you feel the same.” He grinned and then took a sip of his drink. Emily sat down and twirled one of her long tresses around her finger.
“I had an amazing night, Dylan. I really did.” She knew that she had to say something or it would eat her up inside all day. “But, we never got around to talking about your business meeting, and…” Emily’s voice faltered. “…and I think we need to get a few truths out on the table.” Emily nodded her head, hopeful that Dylan would be accommodating to her request.
“I’ll tell you all about it as soon as the girls are out and about, okay?” Dylan reached across the table and gave Emily a kiss on the cheek. But the conversation never happened. Eisley and Anna went back to school on Monday, and Emily spent the first three days of the week scrubbing the floors, changing the bed sheets, grooming the dogs, and preparing meals. By the time Wednesday rolled along, Emily was more tired than ever.
“I just wanted to tell you that you’re doing an excellent job around here.” Dylan poked his head into the bathroom Wednesday night while Emily was in the tub. However this time she didn’t smile. In fact, she didn’t even look up when he called her name. Dylan inched closer to her face and then squatted down to eye level. “What’s wrong, Emily? I can tell that you aren’t happy.” He frowned and then waited for her response. Emily just sighed.
“Dylan. We agreed to talk about your business meeting. That was three days ago. Since then, you either have excuses as to why it isn’t a good time, or you just blow off my questions, completely. I don’t think I can be in a relationship, not even a marriage of convenience, with someone who can’t respect my need to communicate.” Emily felt relieved to have finally spoken her mind.
Dylan stood silently for a few minutes, and then threw his arms up in the air. “I’m sorry, Emily. I really am. It’s just been a hectic week for me, and I wanted to make sure that what I talked about with Felix and Ray was set in stone, you know?” Dylan looked at Emily with a hopeless expression in his eyes.
Emily understood that it might be hard to discuss touchy matters with a woman that he’d just met, but she recognized that part of her own livelihood was connected to the outcome, and that there needed to be clear expectations
about how they would proceed with this together. “I get what you are saying, Dylan, but you need to understand that when I responded to your ad, I thought that I was putting myself in contact with an established business man, with a man of stature and probably of power.”
Emily shook her head. She didn’t want to come right out and tell him that she was sorely disappointed because that would only be partially true. She liked Dylan. She was attracted to him. Even if he wasn’t rich, it probably wouldn’t change her opinion of him, anyway. Yet she still felt entitled to better answers than the ones he was giving.
“I am a man of power.” Dylan stood up straighter than usual. He gave Emily a confident stare and then suddenly looked down at the floor. “I mean…” He sighed and then looked away. The dogs barked outside and Emily could hear the screen rattling inside the frame of the door’s window. He shook his head and then sat down at the kitchen table. “Sit down, Emily.” He looked at her with hesitation, and she slowly sat down in the seat.
“I can tell that there is a lot going on here, Dylan. I am not a dummy. It’s obvious that your life isn’t exactly smooth sailing. But…” Emily paused and then reached out for his hand. “But, I’m your wife now, and even if I’m only a wife of convenience, like your ad stated, I’m still your wife, so I still need to support you. But for me to support you, I need to be informed. Does that make sense?” Emily felt pained inside because she knew that this conversation was going to be difficult for him.
Dylan nodded his head. “It all makes sense, Emily. It’s just that…I don’t really know where to start. There are so many layers at work here, and all I wanted was to find someone who could help me get back on my feet, who could step in as my better half and turn things around.” Dylan nodded his head in affirmation. “And Emily- so far, you’ve done just that, and then some.” His eyes lit up and he forced out a smile. “I feel blessed to have met you. Really.”